1984 Essay Topics & Examples

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  • George Orwell’s 1984: Winston and Julia’s Relationship Essay In the relationship, Julia teaches Winston the idea of love, and the love feeling is then manipulated and directed towards Big Brother.
  • Historical Parallels Between George Orwell’s 1984 and Today Perhaps that is clearly illustrated by the quote that presupposes that whoever can control the past, has power to control the future; while whoever has the ability to control the present, wields the right to […]
  • The Aspects of Human Nature That George Orwell Criticizes in His Work 1984 Compared to Today’s World The aspects of human nature that George Orwell criticizes in his work 1984 compared to today’s world Orwell in the novel 1984 represents the modern society be it capitalist or communist.
  • Language in Orwell’s 1984 as a Means of Manipulation and Control One of the key themes in the novel is the control over language and rewriting history. Thus, it is apparent that control of language leads to the restriction of people’s feelings and thoughts.
  • The Declaration of Independence and 1984 by George Orwell Another feature that relates the Declaration of Independence to 1984 is a demonstration of the tyranny of the ruler and the restriction of the citizen’s rights.
  • Two Opposite Worlds: “Utopia” and “1984” More criticizes the laws of the contemporary European society; he highlights that other countries, in the East for instance, have more fair laws; and after that he starts depicting Utopia, where all people live and […]
  • George Orwell and Two of His Works “1984” and “Animal Farm” Orwell draws on his own personal experiences in the context of political terrorism to describe a life, lived in fear and guilt.
  • Comparison of G. Orwell’s “1984”, R. Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” and A. Huxley’s “Brave New World” The leadership is in charge of virtually each and every single activity that takes place in the lives of the inhabitants of the society.
  • The Dystopian Societies of “1984” and Brave New World The three features which are discussed in this respect are the division of the two societies into social strata, the use of state power and control over citizens, and the loss of people’s individualities.
  • Analysis of Enemy of the People and Nineteen Eighty Four Hovard evidences a good example of the barrier of doing the right things due to influences and the need to fulfill the desires of the people even if they are wrong.
  • Dystopias “Brave New World” by Huxley and “1984” by Orwell The modern world is full of complications and the moments when it seems like a dystopia the darkest version of the future. In the novel, promiscuity is encouraged, and sex is a form of entertainment.
  • Winston Smith, in the Novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” Lastly, Winston Smith is not a hero, and individuals should not emulate and admire him as he is quick to surrender, indiscreet, and promotes the wealth of the ruling class.
  • Unhappiness of Society in Orwell’s 1984 Dystopia His character is a strong individual who will not transgress the ideals of his party and is fully committed to him.
  • Orwell’s 1984 Literary Analysis: Should the Majority Rule? The main character of the 1984 novel is Winston Smith, who is in his late 40s and who works in the Ministry of Truth or Minitruth, which is apparently the Ministry of Lies, since the […]
  • Generation Z Through George Orwell’s “1984” Lens One of the things that the new generation lacks and that the old one had is respect for the opinion of an ideological opponent.
  • “Novel 1984” by George Orwell The specific inspirations for the Oceania society from “1984” were The Soviet Union and Nazi Germany with their inherent propaganda, betrayal of the ideals of the revolution, concentration camps and misinformation.
  • “Nineteen Eighty-Four” a Book by George Orwell The major purpose of the essay is to prove that, despite the wide-spread opinion of literary critics that the ideologies presented in the novel are all alike, it is still possible to indicate differences accounting […]
  • Literature Comparison: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “1984” It can be said that while both of these books address the issue of hidden methods of coercion, Nineteen-eighty Four provides a bleak vision of the future in which the whole of society is controlled […]
  • Events in the 1984 by George Orwell This paper explores the similarities and dissimilarities between the book’s events and the occurrences of contemporary society in 2014. Orwell’s accounts in the book 1984 strike many similarities with the events happening in contemporary society.
  • George Orwell’s Novel 1984 The world is involved in an endless war, and the political regime called Ingsoc and headed by a mystical Big Brother permanently looks for ways to control the citizens’ minds and private lives.
  • Analysis of Books “Half the Sky How to Change the World”, “Gulliver’s Travel” and “1984” Comprehensively, the book Half the Sky How to Change the World exposes the rot that is human trafficking and tries to expose the severity of the trade and how it affects the world today.
  • 1984 by George Orwell There are high hopes that the current settings of the twenty-first century and the predictable future of governance will be sustainable and responsible especially on issues of cultural identity and preservation.
  • Understanding the Concept of Doublethink in the World of George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Weakness of Big Brother in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Theme of the Survival of a Hero in the Movie “Casablanca” and George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Truth About Communism and Totalitarism in George Orwell’s Novel “1984”
  • The Similarities Between the Novels “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • Totalitarianism and Dystopia in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Theme of History in “Brave New World” by Arthur Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • Theme Analysis in “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Philosophy of Determinism in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Power and Control of the Party in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Near Dystopian Future in a “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Suppression of Thoughts and the Elimination of Freedom in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Totalitarian Government of “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Use of the Newspeak Language to Control and Manipulate in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Practice of Dehumanization by the Party in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Psychological Manipulation of Society in “1984” by George Orwell
  • Theme of Betrayal in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Roles of Love, Government, Freedom, Education, and Pleasure in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Idea of Humans Being Naturally Rebellious in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The World of Deceit and Propaganda in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Importance of Winston and Julie’s Romantic Relationship in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Inferiority of Women in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Utopian Society in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Significance of the Elements of Political Protest in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Necessities for a Dystopian Society in George Orwell’s “1984” and Its Possibility in the Modern Era
  • The Role of Newspeak in the Inner Party’s Philosophy and Propaganda in “1984” by George Orwell
  • Totalitarian Society in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Mirrored Worlds in Novels “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
  • Totalitarian Goverments in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Pleasure Principle in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Parallelism of Today’s Society to the Social Conditions Found in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • Winston Smith in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Three Important Aspects of the Fictional World in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Verbal and Situation Irony in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • Understanding Dystopia in “1984” by George Orwell and “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
  • The Government’s Suppression of Freedom in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Influence of Stalinist Russia’s Total Control, Censorship, and Terror on George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Opening of Public Opinions to Future World in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Political Satire of the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
  • Triumph and Futility in “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand and “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Exploration of Truth and Reality in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Societal Impact of Surveillance and the “Big Brother” Concept in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Traits of Society in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Use and Abuse of Power in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Themes of the Dangers of Psychological Manipulation and Physical Control in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Impact of the Advances in Technology in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Understanding and Manipulation of Emotion as a Tool for Building Power in “1984” by George Orwell
  • The Use of Foreshadowing in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Government’s Attempt to Control Citizen’s Minds and Bodies in George Orwell’s “1984”
  • The Four Essential Freedoms and the Freedom of Fear in “1984” by George Orwell
  • How Does the George Orwell Use Language to Create a Sense of Place in “1984”?
  • What Is the Significance of Coffee in “1984”?
  • Why Did Winston Betray Julia in “1984”?
  • What Role Does Contradiction Serve Within the Framework of Doublethink in “1984”?
  • How Does “1984” Relate to Dystopian Literature?
  • Is There Evidence in “1984” That Supports the Poster That Says “Big Brother Is Watching You”?
  • What Was the Two Minutes Hate in “1984”?
  • How Does Winston View His Job at the Ministry of Truth in “1984”?
  • Why Is Winston So Afraid of Rats in “1984”?
  • How Does “1984” Relate to Contemporary Politics and Society?
  • How Is Free Will Seen in George Orwell’s ‘’1984’’?
  • How Does the Interaction of Text and Reader Create Meaning in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell?
  • What Is the Role of Women in “1984”?
  • How Do Winston and Julia Differ in Their Views of the Past in “1984”?
  • How Is Technology Used to Control the Citizens in “1984”?
  • How Does the Party Use Propaganda in “1984”?
  • What Are the Morals and Ethical Views of Winston and Julia in the Novel “1984”?
  • What Does the Rat Symbolize in “1984”?
  • How Are “1984” and “Harrison Bergeron” Alike and Different?
  • What Does Memory Hole Mean in “1984”?
  • What Is the Purpose of the Record’s Department in “1984”?
  • Why Does the Party Discourage Romantic Relationships Between Party Members in “1984”?
  • What Was Julia’s Room 101 in “1984”?
  • How Does George Orwell Reveal Character in “1984”?
  • What Warnings Can We Take From Orwell’s “1984”?
  • How Are Characters Brainwashed in “1984”?
  • How Effectively Does Orwell Introduce the Reader to the New Society of “1984” in Chapter One of the Novel?
  • What Is the Significance of the Name Ministry of Love in “1984”?
  • What Is the Main Problem in “1984”?
  • What Is O’Brien’s Vision for the Future of Oceania in “1984”?
  • Call of the Wild Questions
  • The House on Mango Street Research Topics
  • The Alchemist Questions
  • The Awakening Questions
  • The Great Gatsby Ideas
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream Titles
  • The Glass Menagerie Paper Topics
  • The Handmaid’s Tale Research Ideas
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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Essays on 1984

Hook examples for "1984" essays, the dystopian warning hook.

Open your essay by discussing George Orwell's "1984" as a prophetic warning against totalitarianism and government surveillance. Explore how the novel's themes are eerily relevant in today's world.

The Orwellian Language Hook

Delve into the concept of Newspeak in "1984" and its parallels to modern language manipulation. Discuss how the novel's portrayal of controlled language reflects real-world instances of propaganda and censorship.

Big Brother is Watching Hook

Begin with a focus on surveillance and privacy concerns. Analyze the omnipresent surveillance in the novel and draw connections to contemporary debates over surveillance technologies, data privacy, and civil liberties.

The Power of Doublethink Hook

Explore the psychological manipulation in "1984" through the concept of doublethink. Discuss how individuals in the novel are coerced into accepting contradictory beliefs, and examine instances of cognitive dissonance in society today.

The Character of Winston Smith Hook

Introduce your readers to the protagonist, Winston Smith, and his journey of rebellion against the Party. Analyze his character development and the universal theme of resistance against oppressive regimes.

Technology and Control Hook

Discuss the role of technology in "1984" and its implications for control. Explore how advancements in surveillance technology, social media, and artificial intelligence resonate with the novel's themes of control and manipulation.

The Ministry of Truth Hook

Examine the Ministry of Truth in the novel, responsible for rewriting history. Compare this to the manipulation of information and historical revisionism in contemporary politics and media.

Media Manipulation and Fake News Hook

Draw parallels between the Party's manipulation of information in "1984" and the spread of misinformation and fake news in today's media landscape. Discuss the consequences of a distorted reality.

Relevance of Thoughtcrime Hook

Explore the concept of thoughtcrime and its impact on individual freedom in the novel. Discuss how society today grapples with issues related to freedom of thought, expression, and censorship.

1984 Movie Vs Book Analysis

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Examples of Paradoxes in 1984

George orwell’s representation of authority as illustrated in his book, 1984, orwell's use of literary devices to portray the theme of totalitarianism in 1984, the culture of fear in 1984, a novel by george orwell, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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1984 by George Orwell: Literary Devices to Portray Government Controlling Its Citizens

The use of language to control people in 1984, dictatorship of the people: orwell's 1984 as an allegory for the early soviet union, searching for truth in 1984, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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A World Without Love: The Ramifications of an Affectionless Society in 1984

On double-think and newspeak: orwell's language, the theme of survival and selfishness in the handmaid's tale in 1984, government surveillance in 1984 by george orwell: bogus security, george orwell's 1984 as a historical allegory, exploitation of language in george orwell's 1984, how orwell's 1984 is relevant to today's audience, the relation of orwel’s 1984 to the uighur conflict in china, symbolism in 1984: the soviet union as representation of the fears people, parallels to today in 1984 by george orwell, the relationship between power and emotions in 1984, proletariat vs protagonist: winston smith's class conflict in 1984, a review of george orwell’s book, 1984, o'brien as a dehumanizing villain in 1984, family in 1984 and persepolis, the philosophy of determinism in 1984, orwell's use of rhetorical strategies in 1984, control the citizens in the orwell's novel 1984, dangers of totalitarianism as depicted in 1984, dystopian life in '1984' was a real-life in china.

8 June 1949, George Orwell

Novel; Dystopia, Political Fiction, Social Science Fiction Novel

Winston Smith, Julia, O'Brien, Aaronson, Jones, and Rutherford, Ampleforth, Charrington, Tom Parsons, Syme, Mrs. Parsons, Katharine Smith

Since Orwell has been a democratic socialist, he has modelled his book and motives after the Stalinist Russia

Power, Repressive Behaviors, Totalitarianism, Mass Surveillance, Human Behaviors

The novel has brought up the "Orwellian" term, which stands for "Big Brother" "Thoughtcrime" and many other terms that we know well. It has been the reflection of totalitarianism

1984 represents a dystopian writing that has followed the life of Winston Smith who belongs to the "Party",which stands for the total control, which is also known as the Big Brother. It controls every aspect of people's lives. Is it ever possible to go against the system or will it take even more control. It constantly follows the fear and oppression with the surveillance being the main part of 1984. There is Party’s official O’Brien who is following the resistance movement, which represents an alternative, which is the symbol of hope.

Before George Orwell wrote his famous book, he worked for the BBC as the propagandist during World War II. The novel has been named 1980, then 1982 before finally settling on its name. Orwell fought tuberculosis while writing the novel. He died seven months after 1984 was published. Orwell almost died during the boating trip while he was writing the novel. Orwell himself has been under government surveillance. It was because of his socialist opinions. The slogan that the book uses "2 + 2 = 5" originally came from Communist Russia and stood for the five-year plan that had to be achieved during only four years. Orwell also used various Japanese propaganda when writing his novel, precisely his "Thought Police" idea.

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” “But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.” “Being in a minority, even in a minority of one, did not make you mad. There was truth and there was untruth, and if you clung to the truth even against the whole world, you were not mad.” “Confession is not betrayal. What you say or do doesn't matter; only feelings matter. If they could make me stop loving you-that would be the real betrayal.” “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.” "But you could not have pure love or pure lust nowadays. No emotion was pure, because everything was mixed up with fear and hatred."

The most important aspect of 1984 is Thought Police, which controls every thought. It has been featured in numerous books, plays, music pieces, poetry, and anything that has been created when one had to deal with Social Science and Politics. Another factor that represents culmination is thinking about overthrowing the system or trying to organize a resistance movement. It has numerous reflections of the post WW2 world. Although the novella is graphic and quite intense, it portrays dictatorship and is driven by fear through the lens of its characters.

This essay topic is often used when writing about “The Big Brother” or totalitarian regimes, which makes 1984 a flexible topic that can be taken as the foundation. Even if you have to write about the use of fear by the political regimes, knowing the facts about this novel will help you to provide an example.

1. Enteen, G. M. (1984). George Orwell And the Theory of Totalitarianism: A 1984 Retrospective. The Journal of General Education, 36(3), 206-215. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/27797000) 2. Hughes, I. (2021). 1984. Literary Cultures, 4(2). (https://journals.ntu.ac.uk/index.php/litc/article/view/340) 3. Patai, D. (1982). Gamesmanship and Androcentrism in Orwell's 1984. PMLA, 97(5), 856-870. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/pmla/article/abs/gamesmanship-and-androcentrism-in-orwells-1984/F1B026BE9D97EE0114E248AA733B189D) 4. Paden, R. (1984). Surveillance and Torture: Foucault and Orwell on the Methods of Discipline. Social Theory and Practice, 10(3), 261-271. (https://www.pdcnet.org/soctheorpract/content/soctheorpract_1984_0010_0003_0261_0272) 5. Tyner, J. A. (2004). Self and space, resistance and discipline: a Foucauldian reading of George Orwell's 1984. Social & Cultural Geography, 5(1), 129-149. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1464936032000137966) 6. Kellner, D. (1990). From 1984 to one-dimensional man: Critical reflections on Orwell and Marcuse. Current Perspectives in Social Theory, 10, 223-52. (https://pages.gseis.ucla.edu/faculty/kellner/essays/from1984toonedimensional.pdf) 7. Samuelson, P. (1984). Good legal writing: of Orwell and window panes. U. Pitt. L. Rev., 46, 149. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/upitt46&div=13&id=&page=) 8. Fadaee, E. (2011). Translation techniques of figures of speech: A case study of George Orwell's" 1984 and Animal Farm. Journal of English and Literature, 2(8), 174-181. (https://academicjournals.org/article/article1379427897_Fadaee.pdf) 9. Patai, D. (1984, January). Orwell's despair, Burdekin's hope: Gender and power in dystopia. In Women's Studies International Forum (Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 85-95). Pergamon. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0277539584900621) 10. Cole, M. B. (2022). The Desperate Radicalism of Orwell’s 1984: Power, Socialism, and Utopia in Dystopian Times. Political Research Quarterly, 10659129221083286. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10659129221083286)

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essay topics on 1984

by George Orwell

1984 themes, totalitarianism.

In writing 1984 , Orwell's main goal was to warn of the serious danger totalitarianism poses to society. He goes to great lengths to demonstrate the terrifying degree of power and control a totalitarian regime can acquire and maintain. In such regimes, notions of personal rights and freedoms and individual thought are pulverized under the all-powerful hand of the government. Orwell was a Socialist and believed strongly in the potential for rebellion to advance society, yet too often he witnessed such rebellions go wrong and develop into totalitarian rule. Specifically, Orwell saw such developments during his time in Spain and in Russia, where he witnessed the rise of communism and the accompanying destruction of civil liberties, honest government, and economic strength.

During a time when much of the Western world was lauding communism as a step towards human progress in the development of equality in government, Orwell clearly and definitively spoke out against the practice. In 1984 , Orwell presents a dystopia, or in other words, the perfect totalitarian state. In composing this novel, Orwell gave the world a glimpse of what the embrace of communism might lead to if allowed to proceed unchecked. The Party is unflawed in its universal control over society, as evidenced by its ability to break even an independent thinker such as Winston, and has mastered every aspect of psychological control, largely through utilizing technological developments (allowing for inventions such as the telescreen) to their advantage. In ending the novel with Winston defeated in every sense of the term, Orwell clearly suggests that there is no hope for quelling the expansion or growth of such a perfectly established regime. And, more importantly, Orwell warns that at the time, this outcome was within the realm of possibility as long as the world supported and embraced communism.

A major factor in the Party's rule over Oceania lies in its extremely well organized and effective propaganda machine. The Ministry of Truth, which is ironically where Winston works, is responsible for disseminating all Party publications and information. All figures and facts come from the Ministry of Truth, and all are dictated by the Party. In other words, the Party chooses exactly what to tell the public, regardless of what is accurate. The effectiveness of this propaganda machine, which constantly corrects old material to reflect the Party's current position on any subject ranging from chocolate rations to the loyalty of a specific individual, allows the Party to completely dominate the range of information disseminated to the public. Therefore, as O'Brien notes, the machine determines what constitutes reality.

In addition to the massive amounts of doctored information the Party disseminates to the public, there are also basic forms of propaganda, such as the Two Minutes Hate, Hate Week, posters of Big Brother , and required daily participation in the Physical Jerks. The Party uses literally every waking opportunity to instill its ideals into its citizens, and is strikingly successful in achieving its goal of total loyalty. In 1984 we see the vigor and loyalty such propaganda inspires in the citizens. The citizens of Oceania are filled with hatred for the country's stated enemies, but this hatred is easily re-directed if the enemy happens to change. This efficiency is quite disturbing. Orwell's presentation of the power of propaganda significantly supports his warning against totalitarianism. If propaganda rules all information, it is impossible to have any grasp on reality. The world is as the Party defines it.

Love/Sexuality

The Party works to quell all physical sensations of love, and depersonalizes sex to the point where it is referred to as a "duty to the Party" (for the purposes of procreation). Some Party organizations even advocate complete abstinence and procreation only through artificial insemination. Winston suffers the Party's removal of personal fulfillment or enjoyment in relationships in his failed marriage with Katharine . Later, when he finds Julia , Winston relishes the freedom of being able to love someone in a physical and emotional way. So much of Winston's seeming rebellion turns out to be guided and influenced by the Party ( Mr. Charrington , O'Brien, the Brotherhood), but his relationship with Julia is not. Winston is only able to rebel against the Party through his affair with Julia, even though this love is destroyed in the end.

Orwell's discussion of love is not only relegated to romantic love. Through Winston's memories of his mother and the contrast between how she cared for him and his sister and the average Party family is striking. Winston's mother deeply loved her children and did all she could to protect them during the aftermath of the Revolution and the Party's rise to power. In Winston's time, the Party has removed such interfamilial loyalty, demanding that all love and loyalty be reserved for Big Brother and the Party. In this way, the bonds between parents and children are broken. Even worse, children commonly report their parents to the Thought Police, placing the Party above the lives of their mother and father. The Party's eventual goal is to destroy the family unit entirely and have all children raised in Party facilities. The Party has no room for love, unless that love is directed with full force at Big Brother and Oceania.

Independence/Identity

Through its effective psychological manipulation tactics, the Party destroys all sense of independence and individuality. Everyone wears the same clothes, eats the same food, and lives in the same grungy apartments. Life is uniform and orderly. No one can stand out, and no one can be unique. To have an independent thought borders on the criminal. For this reason, writing such as Winston does in his diary has been outlawed. People are only permitted to think what the Party tells them to think, which leads to what Syme refers to as "duckspeak." Independent thought can be dangerous, as it might lead to rebellion.

This theme comes to a head during Winston's torture, when Winston argues that he is a man, and because he is a man O'Brien cannot tell him what he thinks. O'Brien counters that if Winston is a man, he is the last man on earth. Moreover, O'Brien suggests that this independence is evidence of insanity. O'Brien's view represents the purity of a totalitarian regime, in that independent thought must be destroyed to promote the needs and goals of the Party. Winston and Julia's downfall occurs because they believe they are special. Their arrest and torture, however, breaks this spirit. Once again, through this ultimate loss of individual thought, we witness Orwell's warning against embracing any version of totalitarian rule.

Songs appear throughout the novel, most often when Winston is reflecting on the state of the world. Music appears to inspire Winston and allows him to see beauty and simplicity in an otherwise violent, ugly, and frightening world. He sees a powerful sense of tragedy in "Under the spreading Chestnut Tree," hope for a brighter future in the beautiful thrush song, respect for the true, untouchable past in the "St. Clement's Dane" rhyme, and freedom and hope in the passion with which the prole woman sings while hanging her laundry. Below, listed in chronological order are the musical events that occur in the novel.

Winston describes sitting in the Chestnut Tree Cafe, observing the clearly beaten, defeated, and tragically sad Jones, Aaronson and Rutherford , while the song "Under the spreading Chestnut Tree, I sold you and you sold me" plays over the telescreen. The song seems to reflect the broken spirits of these three men, who were once Inner Party members and now have lost everything.

Mr. Charrington teaches Winston the rhyme that begins "Oranges and lemons say the bells of St. Clement's," which is a vestige of the past. Throughout the novel, Winston holds on to this rhyme and tries to discover its entirety. He succeeds, with the help of Julia, who remembers a few more lines than Mr. Charrington, and O'Brien, who finishes the poem for Winston.

Julia and Winston are in the Golden Country, beginning their affair. As they stand next to each other surveying the landscape, a small thrush begins to sing next to them. Winston is taken in by the bird's boundless freedom and wonders what makes him sing so beautifully. To Winston, the bird's song represents all he longs for in life. It is the exact opposite of the Party.

Winston hears the prole woman in the yard behind Mr. Charrington's house sing while she works. She belts out the tune without any hesitation, throwing herself into the simple music with a passion Winston reveres.

Winston tells Julia of the poem Mr. Charrington taught him, and she adds two verses. Her grandfather taught her the rhyme when she was young, and Winston is elated to learn the next few lines of the piece. This cooperation reveals a strong bond between Winston and Julia.

Winston discusses the Hate Song the Party created solely for the Hate Week celebration. This is the only time we hear of a song created purely for negative means. Winston notes that the Hate Song is not as popular among the proles as some of the more simple tunes the Ministry of Truth has produced for them.

O'Brien completes Mr. Charrington's rhyme, and Winston is immensely satisfied to finally know the complete piece. He feels that gaining the last puzzle piece from O'Brien symbolically represents their bond in rebelling against the Party and pursuing a future steeped in freedom.

Winston again hears the prole woman singing passionately while doing her wash and reflects on the primitivism in song. Winston thinks about the millions of people around the world, just like this woman, who find such pleasure, power and freedom in music and are able to embrace it in their lives. He is arrested immediately after this brief scene, which fulfills the last line of the "St. Clement's Dane" song, "Here comes a chopper to chop off your head!"

Winston sits in the Chestnut Tree Cafe, just as Jones, Aaronson and Rutherford once did. He hears the same song he heard when watching those three men, "Under the spreading Chestnut Tree, I sold you and you sold me." Here, the song speaks to the destruction of Winston's independence, and his newly discovered love for Big Brother.

The Party is fueled by loyalty, and thus demands that its citizens support any and all actions it takes in pursuing a greater Oceania. For the Party, loyalty means accepting without question or hesitation. Ironically, when Winston pledges his loyalty to the Brotherhood, he also agrees to accept the goals and requirements of the Brotherhood without question or hesitation. Winston agrees to do anything the Brotherhood requires, even if that means murdering innocents. However, Winston is also loyal to Julia, and refuses to be separated from her forever. This split loyalty is what separates Winston from the other Party members. Party members are loyal to the Party, Big Brother, and Oceania alone. Personal relationships are of no importance.

While in the Ministry of Love, O'Brien notes this weakness in Winston's mind and effectively removes it. Through painful physical torture, O'Brien first teaches Winston that the Party's perspective is the accurate perspective. Next, by threatening him with carnivorous rats, O'Brien breaks Winston's loyalty to Julia. In the last scene of the novel, Winston finally comes to love Big Brother, and his transition from split loyalties to a greater single loyalty to the Party is complete.

Poverty vs. Wealth

Oceanian society presents a clear dichotomy in living conditions. The small Inner Party lives luxuriously, with servants and lush, well-furnished apartments. Party members, on the other hand, live in run-down single-room apartments with no amenities and low-quality, tasteless food. The proles live in absolute poverty. The chasm between poverty and wealth in the novel is striking, and is most noticeable during Winston's forays into prole society. The buildings the proles live in are decaying, and the city of London is filled with bombed-out ruins. While the Inner Party comforts itself with luxury, the citizens of Oceania suffer, getting by with the bare minimum in a dying city.

Orwell presents this dichotomy to demonstrate how totalitarian societies promote the wealth of the ruling regime while decreasing the quality of life for all other members of society. Such governments often tout their hopes for establishing an equal society when in reality the separation between their living conditions and those of the citizens is vast. Winston looks out on the city of London and sees a dying world. Meanwhile, O'Brien looks out on the city of London and sees a society trapped in a single moment in time, defined and controlled by the Party.

As previously noted, technology is an extremely important tool that the Party uses to maintain control over its citizens. Without telescreens, the Thought Police would not be nearly as effective, and propaganda would not be so widespread. The constant supervision of the telescreen effectively imprisons citizens of Oceania in their daily lives: they are always under observation.

Ironically, other areas of technological development are strikingly stagnant. For example, the printing machines in the Ministry of Truth are still quite basic, and each superstate continues to build the same bombs that were used decades before. Scientific progress has halted, except where it serves the Party's goals (such as in artificial insemination or new methods for psychological manipulation). In the world of Oceania there is no such as thing as progress for the sake of progress; there is only power for the sake of power. When technological developments serve this power, they are encouraged. When they do not, they are stopped.

Newspeak plays an extremely important role in Oceanian society and in the Party's control over its population. As Syme says, Newspeak reduces and limits the number of words in the English language, and removes words used to describe rebellion or independence (with the ultimate goal being to remove citizens' ability to think anti-Party thoughts). Interestingly, the Party works to form a language around itself rather than naturally accepting and assuming the language of the people that make up the country. In this way, language is used as yet another mechanism of mind control.

Removing a nation's original language serves to reduce the importance of a nation's past. Languages develop over centuries, and are deeply intertwined with culture and history. Redefining and forcing a language on a population, as was often done in the postcolonial era, denies that society its individuality. The Party meets this goal with great efficiency.

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1984 Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for 1984 is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Describe O’Briens apartment and lifestyle. How do they differ from Winston’s?

From the text:

It was only on very rare occasions that one saw inside the dwelling-places of the Inner Party, or even penetrated into the quarter of the town where they lived. The whole atmosphere of the huge block of flats, the richness and...

What was the result of Washington exam

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how is one put into the inner or outer party in the book 1984

The Outer Party is a huge government bureaucracy. They hold positions of trust but are largely responsible for keeping the totalitarian structure of Big Brother functional. The Outer Party numbers around 18 to 19 percent of the population and the...

Study Guide for 1984

1984 study guide contains a biography of George Orwell, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

  • 1984 Summary
  • Character List

Essays for 1984

1984 essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of 1984 by George Orwell.

  • The Reflection of George Orwell
  • Totalitarian Collectivism in 1984, or, Big Brother Loves You
  • Sex as Rebellion
  • Class Ties: The Dealings of Human Nature Depicted through Social Classes in 1984
  • 1984: The Ultimate Parody of the Utopian World

Lesson Plan for 1984

  • About the Author
  • Study Objectives
  • Common Core Standards
  • Introduction to 1984
  • Relationship to Other Books
  • Bringing in Technology
  • Notes to the Teacher
  • Related Links
  • 1984 Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for 1984

  • Introduction
  • Writing and publication

essay topics on 1984

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Introduction

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Reading Context

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Reading Questions & Paired Texts

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

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1. A text’s atmosphere is a feeling created through the details and language used to describe setting.

  • How does Orwell establish a dystopian atmosphere early in the novel? ( topic sentence )
  • Give at least 3 examples of details, images, or phrasing that support a dystopian atmosphere. Explain how they accomplish this task.
  • In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how the dystopian atmosphere supports the theme Constant Surveillance is Oppressive or Totalitarian Power Diminishes Individuality .

2. Winston believes that there is something essentially different about the impact the Party has on proles versus the impact it has on Party members.

  • Why does Winston hope the proles will be able to contest the Party’s power? ( topic sentence )

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Home Essay Samples Literature

Essay Samples on 1984

Comparison of "v for vendetta" and "1984".

Two iconic dystopian works, "V for Vendetta" by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, and "1984" by George Orwell, explore themes of totalitarian control, resistance, and the human quest for freedom. While set in different fictional worlds, both narratives offer thought-provoking reflections on power, authority, and...

  • V For Vendetta

Surveillance in George Orwell's "1984": The Perils of Totalitarian Control

George Orwell's novel "1984" serves as a chilling depiction of a dystopian society where surveillance is used as a tool of control and manipulation. The novel explores the devastating consequences of a government that employs surveillance to monitor and regulate every aspect of its citizens'...

  • Surveillance

The Dynamics of Power in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's novel "1984" presents a harrowing exploration of power and its various manifestations within a dystopian society. The novel delves into the complex dynamics of power, including the ways it is exercised, maintained, and resisted. Through the lens of the Party's authoritarian regime, this...

Government Surveillance in George Orwell's "1984": The Illusion of Security

George Orwell's novel "1984" serves as a haunting portrayal of a dystopian society dominated by government surveillance and control. The government's use of surveillance technologies to monitor and manipulate citizens is presented as a mechanism for maintaining power and suppressing dissent. In this essay, we...

  • Government Surveillance

The Viability of a Society Based on Hate in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" presents a chilling depiction of a society dominated by hatred, oppression, and totalitarian control. The novel explores the consequences of a society built on hate and examines whether such a system can sustain itself in the long term. Through the...

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Propaganda and Manipulation in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" offers a haunting portrayal of a society dominated by propaganda, where truth is distorted, and reality is manipulated by those in power. The novel explores the insidious nature of propaganda and its role in controlling thought, erasing history, and perpetuating...

The Human Experience in George Orwell's "1984"

George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" paints a bleak and haunting portrayal of a totalitarian society where individuality is suppressed, truth is manipulated, and human experience is tightly controlled. Through the lens of the protagonist, Winston Smith, the novel delves into the complexities of the human...

"Brave New World" and "1984": Comparison of the Depiction of Power and Control

Introduction Christian Nestell Bovee once said, 'No one is happy without a delusion of some kind. Delusions are as necessary to our happiness as realities.' Bovee's quote applies to the dystopian genre, as evident in Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World and George Orwell's film...

  • Brave New World

"Animal Farm" and "1984": Comparison of George Orwell’s Notable Novels

Introduction In this essay, I will perform a comparison of George Orwell's two renowned books, '1984' and 'Animal Farm.' Furthermore, I will argue that '1984' holds greater relevance in our modern society, which, in my opinion, is heading towards a future that closely aligns with...

  • Animal Farm
  • George Orwell

1984' Book Review: Anomalies and Paradoxes of Human Behaviour

Through the representation of individual and collective human experiences, composers are able to challenge our assumptions on the complexity of human behaviour. Through the '1984' book review essay we cam analyse the anomalies and paradoxes of human behaviour that are revealed in Orwell's novel. These paradoxes...

Theme, Setting and Symbolism in 1984: an Overview of Orwell's Novel

For this 'Theme, Setting and Symbolism in 1984' essay the task for an author is to discuss how effectively Orwell uses one of the following literary devices in 1984: symbolism, theme, setting or point of view.  In the hard hitting and some could say most...

1984 Compared to Today: George Orwell's Use of Themes in the Novel

As in many other novels, the use of multiple themes is evident throughout George Orwell’s 1984. Theme can be used in a variety of ways by the author to add to the complexity of a novel, and promote critical thinking by the audience. Orwell’s 1984...

1984 Compared to Today: Comparison of Technology in the Book and Today

¨It was the Police Patrol, snooping into peopleś windows… only the Thought Police mattered.¨ (P.6) In the novel 1984 by George Orwell, people do not have privacy with the Thought Police always watching them. People do not feel safe knowing they are always being watched....

The Characterization And Orwell's Mood In 1984

Bob Dylan, a singer-songwriter, once stated that “No one is free, even the birds are chained to the sky”, but little did he know the prominence of his speech as it pertains to the novel 1984 by George Orwell. The novel depicts a totalitarian dystopia,...

  • Mood in Literature

Allegory Elements In George Orwell's 1984

Dystopian novels allow people to envision and fear what is possible to happen in the future, but it also shows that there will always be people hanging on to hope, and people who wish for change. This is what the book 1984, written by George...

  • Allegory in Literature

The Grim Imagery Used In 1984

George Orwell’s prose fiction novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) and Yevgeny Zamyatin’s dystopian novel We (1924) provide projections of the adverse effects of oppressive governments and how their insidious nature restrains one’s individuality and humanity. Both authors by exemplifying the fundamental human qualities of communion, morality,...

  • Imagery in Literature

Presentation Of Authoritarian Control In George Orwell's 1984 And Brave New World

In the two novels ’Brave New World’ by Aldous Huxley and ‘1984’ by George Orwell, authoritarian control is a recurring theme throughout both plots. The two authors, who were influenced by their experiences of war on a large scale during the twentieth century were saddened...

Literary Devices Used In George Orwell's 1984

Most of the authors in the literary devices intend to pass certain and specific messages to their audience. Majority of them evaluate the happenings in the society. As such, the messages aim at changing the society towards the ability by the people to maintain the...

The Use Of Literary Devices And Other Techniques In Orwell's "1984"

The horrendousness of the truth is often masked by the distortion of the reality that is present in truth. The purpose behind George Orwell’s 1984 was to expose this truth of the world in a manner that would not take away from what was plainly...

The Comparison Of Dystopian Worlds In 1984 And Brave New World

Huxley's Brave New World and Orwell's 1984 are both Dystopian novels written ahead of their time that, in their own way, frighteningly predicted the western world of today. 21st Century western society has turned out to be a combination of both Huxley and Orwell’s visions...

Theme Of Double-thinking In Orwellian Writing: Analysis Of Thematic Similarities In A Hanging And 1984

“We walked out of the gallows yard, past the condemned cells with their waiting prisoners, into the big central yard of the prison… it seemed quite a homely, jolly scene, after the hanging. An enormous relief had come upon us now that the job was...

The Empowerment of Language in Understanding and Changing the World

Human nature relies on the ability to formulate thought - to generate the id, ego, and super ego’s into one’s needs, however, to communicate these needs depends on an underlying principle. Without language as an underlying mechanism, the human needs would not be able to...

  • Frankenstein

Panopticism and Loss of Individuality in the Novel 1984 and movie Equilibrium

Through the readings of Michel Foucault’s Discipline And Punish, we discover that there are many new strategies that leaders began employing which allowed for more psychological control over the public. Some of these new themes can be observed in various films and texts such as...

  • Michel Foucault
  • Panopticism

Justification of Violence for Reforms in 1984 and V for Vendetta

Both in '1984' and in 'V for Vendetta', vivid symbolism allows the reader to catch the meaningful message hidden behind the words. They include a message addressing society today to think about the dangers of totalitarian societies. 1984 is a novel written by George Orwell...

V for Vendetta and 1984: The Revolt Againsts the Authority

The movie V for Vendetta, based on the same title novel, can be seen as George Orwell's sequel to the 1984 script. This depicts a world in V for Vendetta, close to ours, though in the future, where it is governed by an autocratic dictator....

Depiction of Dystopian Worlds in The Handmaid's Tale and 1984

Dystopian literature questions the power of language, both Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and Orwell’s ‘Nineteen Eighty - four’ showcases a variety of qualities necessary to advocate one’s freedom. Whilst both novelists share the common theme of language limiting both freedom and knowledge the two texts...

  • The Handmaid's Tale

Parallels in Authority System in 1984 and North Korea

North Korea, officially recognized as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK is a country situated in East Asia that is home to approximately 25 million people. It constitutes the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and was established in 1948 in the aftermath...

  • North Korea

The Representation of Oppresion in "1984" and "Never Let Me Go"

Both texts present a protagonist who is oppressed by a group which are higher than themselves as these groups have full control over the characters and their respective societies, the characters arc are displayed to the reader through a first person narrator within “Never Let...

  • Never Let Me Go

George Orwell's Achievements and Impact as an Author

George had an eventful early life, traveling to different places such as Paris and London, then later Spain. For example, Orwell moved to Paris and then later London with no money and worked as a factory worker to understand life as a commoner (Bloom 7)....

George Orwell and His Unique Perception of Language

George Orwell has earned the right to be called one of the finer writers in the English language through such novels as 1984, Animal Farm, and Down and Out in Paris and London. Orwell heavily criticized totalitarian governments in his writing and carried that same...

  • English Language

Examining the Impact of George Orwell on American Society

George Orwell was born in 1903 in Motihari, India, under the name Eric Arthur Blair. In his web article about Orwell, George Woodcock explains Orwell grew up in an atmosphere of “impoverished snobbery” (2018). At an early age his parents sent him to a preparatory...

1984: Frightening Resemblance to America's Reality

George Orwell's dystopian vision of an authoritarianism society, in his novel 1984, was not as far-fetched as those during his time once believed. There are numerous parallels between 1984 and present day governments around the world, including the United States government. The connections are sometimes...

1984: Parallels Between Reality and Dystopian Fiction

“The best books... are those that tell you what you know already.” In the weeks following the ‘inauguration’ of Donald J. Trump, the sales of George Orwell’s most distinguished novel skyrocketed. 1984 flew off the virtual shelves as it hit Amazon’s best-selling book in January...

George Orwell’s “1984” Reflecting the Realities of Life in 21st Century

”Are living in 1984?” - this question can be asked by the readers of the 1984 book by George Orwell. To be more accurate, we should ask, if we live in totalitarian system. Unfortunately, the answer might be really concerned for many people. Despite of...

  • Literature Review

Portrait Of Totalitarian Government In Book "1984"

Being a man born into the first half of the twentieth century, George Orwell was forced to endure both World Wars, as well as the start of the Cold War. His experience with national relations and the lessons that war brings allowed him to pen...

Best topics on 1984

1. Comparison of “V for Vendetta” and “1984”

2. Surveillance in George Orwell’s “1984”: The Perils of Totalitarian Control

3. The Dynamics of Power in George Orwell’s “1984”

4. Government Surveillance in George Orwell’s “1984”: The Illusion of Security

5. The Viability of a Society Based on Hate in George Orwell’s “1984”

6. Propaganda and Manipulation in George Orwell’s “1984”

7. The Human Experience in George Orwell’s “1984”

8. “Brave New World” and “1984”: Comparison of the Depiction of Power and Control

9. “Animal Farm” and “1984”: Comparison of George Orwell’s Notable Novels

10. 1984′ Book Review: Anomalies and Paradoxes of Human Behaviour

11. Theme, Setting and Symbolism in 1984: an Overview of Orwell’s Novel

12. 1984 Compared to Today: George Orwell’s Use of Themes in the Novel

13. 1984 Compared to Today: Comparison of Technology in the Book and Today

14. The Characterization And Orwell’s Mood In 1984

15. Allegory Elements In George Orwell’s 1984

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'1984' Questions for Study and Discussion

  • M.A., English Literature, California State University - Sacramento
  • B.A., English, California State University - Sacramento

1984  is one of the best-known works by  George Orwell . This classic novel describes life in a surveillance state where independent thinking is referred to as "thoughtcrime." 1984 coined terms like Big Brother and Newspeak that are still in use today, and its powerful exploration of totalitarianism is a key reference point in political discussion and analysis.

Reflect on the following questions as you learn about 1984 . Whether you're preparing for an exam or preparing for a book club, these questions for study and discussion will strengthen your knowledge and understanding of the novel.

1984  Questions for Study and Discussion

  • What is important about the title of 1984 ? 
  • What are the conflicts in 1984 ? What types of conflict (physical, moral, intellectual, or emotional) are in this novel?
  • How does George Orwell reveal character in 1984 ?
  • What are some themes in the story? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  • What are some symbols in 1984 ? How do they relate to the plot and characters?
  • Is Winston consistent in his actions? Is he a fully developed character? How? Why?
  • Do you find the characters likable? Would you want to meet the characters?
  • Does the story end the way you expected? How? Why?
  • What is the central/primary purpose of the story? Is the purpose important or meaningful?
  • How does this novel relate to dystopian literature? Is Winston a strong character?
  • How essential is the setting to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else? In any other time?
  • What is the role of women in the text? Is love relevant? Are relationships meaningful?
  • Why is 1984 controversial? Why has it been banned?
  • How does 1984 relate to contemporary politics/society?
  • Would you recommend this novel to a friend?
  • Why do you think words like Big Brother and Newspeak have entered into our everyday lexicon?
  • What, if anything, scares you about the future Orwell describes? Why or why not?
  • How is "doublethink" used in the novel? Do you think it could or is used in our current society?
  • Do you think it's important that Oceana is constantly at war with someone? What point do you think Orwell is trying to make?
  • How does the age difference between Julia and Winston affect how they view the actions of Big Brother and the government? Do you see differences like this in your own life? 
  • How is technology used by Big Brother and the Party? Does it remind you of any current technological issues? 
  • If you were in Room 101, what would be waiting for you?
  • What is the significance of the name Ministry of Love?
  • How is sexual repression used to oppress the people of Oceana? Are there examples of this kind of oppression in the real world?
  • How are characters brainwashed in the novel? Do you think this sort of brainwashing can happen in real life?
  • What warnings can we take from Orwell's novel? 
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1984 by George Orwell Essay Topics & Ideas

Use our topics suggestions to impress your reader.

  • Argumentative 1984 Essay Topics
  • 1984 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

1984 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Essay examples on this topic.

Written in the mid-nineteenth century, this story has not lost its popularity to this day. It conquers more and more hearts, captivates readers, and encourages them to look into the mystery of love. Jane Eyre is an orphan who was renounced by her aunt when she was raised in an orphanage. Edward Rochester is a wealthy English aristocrat who owned two large, albeit gloomy-looking estates, Thornfield Hall and Ferndin.

george orwell

The pseudonym George Orwell appeared when he published his first book, Down and Out in Paris and London, in 1934.

Both Jane and Edward are looking for their happiness. She is in a small world, which seems to her infinitely wide, and he – in a wide, but, in his opinion, infinitely small. One day, the characters meet, and then a sincere, passionate feeling flares up between them, which changes their destinies and makes both the gloomy Thornfield Hall and the even gloomier Ferndin startle.

How to Choose Essay Topic on 1984?

First of all, you need to read the book carefully and find out what the author’s main idea is. Then you can divide it into several parts and make a list of them.

You can also do some research and find out more about the subject that interests you. If you have already chosen a topic, then write down all the information about it in one place so that you don’t forget anything important.

Once you’ve found out everything about your topic, start writing an outline for your essay. This will help you stay focused on what you should write about in each paragraph as well as how many paragraphs there should be in total (usually 3-4).

Tips on How to Write 1984 Essay

1984 is a novel that was written by George Orwell in 1949. It is a dystopian novel, meaning that it describes a society that has become very bad. In this essay, we will discuss 5 tips on how to write 1984 essay.

  • First, an introduction should be written in order to give an overview of what the essay will be about and why it is important. The introduction should make the reader interested in reading more about the topic.
  • Second, use specific examples from the book to support your points about what you think happens in the book and why it happens.
  • Third, describe any historical context that helps explain events or characters’ motivations or actions in the book; this will help readers understand them better because they’ll learn something new about history or culture while reading 1984.
  • Fourthly, draw comparisons between 1984 and other works (such as other novels or films) that are similar in theme or structure so readers can see how 1984 compares with them; this will also help readers understand what makes 1984 unique among these works so they can appreciate its greatness even more!
  • Fifthly (and lastly), end with a conclusion summarizing what you’ve written about so far and adding any final thoughts/reflections on your topic before closing out with your

✒️ Argumentative 1984 Essay Topics

  • 1984 A Bleak Prediction Of the Future
  • Propaganda and Surveillance In 1984
  • 1984 Human Drives Desire For Power
  • An anti-Hero in George Orwell’s 1984
  • Looking to the Future 1984
  • Examples Of Marxism In 1984
  • The vision of Society In 1984
  • Winston’S Transformation From “1984” By George Orwell
  • Does the Technology of Orwell’s 1984 Really Exist
  • 1984 and the Power of Technology
  • “Totalitarianism” in 1984
  • Utopia, Dystopia, and the Middle Class in  George Orwell’s 1984
  • “Big Brother” Can Watch Us
  • So Are We Living in 1984?
  • Creating Society in Orwell’s 1984
  • What Orwell says to us about America today
  • Justice in George Orwell’s 1984

Popular Questions

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✨ Best 1984 Topic Ideas & Essay Examples

  • Orwell’s Literary Technique in 1984 Orwell’s Literary Technique in 1984 Often, people and groups, in an attempt to create a better, more perfect, society, end up creating just the opposite. This opposite is termed a dystopian society and is the subject of George Orwell’s novel 1984. ….
  • Writing assignment 1984 Over the past couple of years organizations have been identifying the link of HARM with organizational treated in order to develop a strategic approach to HARM and to also offer an understanding of how single country or domestic human resource ….
  • Vision of Society in 1984 The empirical method of thought, on which all the scientific achievements of the past were founded, is opposed to the most fundamental principles of Ingsoc. (Emmanuel Goldstein in The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, ch.3). Discuss ….
  • Portrayal of a Bleak Future in 1984 and IQ84 To what extent is this true of your prescribed text and one other related text of your choosing? In many variations of futuristic texts, a common portrayal of the future is a bleak one. This is an expression of concert for current issues that may ….
  • Harrison Bergeron vs 1984 Harrison Bergeron and 1984 were both based on a similar concept. This concept is creating peace by limiting and controlling the population. In George Orwell s 1984, it was done through brainwashing and doublethink. In Kurt Vonnegut s Harrison ….
  • Analysis of 1984 and Big Brother 1984 shows how our lives will not be as secret as they are now. Oceania has noprivacy and America is turning into that. In some ways America already is likeOceania. There are many elements in the book to compare with aspects in Americansociety today…..
  • Alienation in 1984 In 1984 In the novel 1984 by George Orwell there are many causes which lead to Winston Smith’s alienation. Winston lives in the dystopian society known as Oceania, which is controlled by the “Party” and a dictator named “Big Brother. ” “Big Brother” ….
  • Orwell’s 1984 as an Anti-Utopian Novel 1984 as an Anti-Utopian Novel A utopia is an ideal or perfect community. While some writers have created fictional places that embody their idealssocieties, other writers have written satires that ridicule existing conditions ofsociety, or anti-….
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essay topics on 1984

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George Orwell's 1984

Orwell’s life was transformed by the unexpected success of Animal Farm. The financial freedom allowed him to write 1984.

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1984 book

Orwell wrote the manuscript for 1984 over a span of about 18 months — June 1947 to December 1948 — on the island of Jura, in the Scottish Hebrides, between periods of hospitalization for tuberculosis.

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History of Now

What Does George Orwell’s ‘1984’ Mean in 2024?

Now 75 years old, the dystopian novel still rings alarm bells about totalitarian rule

Anne Wallentine

Anne Wallentine

Edmond O'Brien and Jan Sterling during the filming of a 1956 adaptation of George Orwell's 1984

In recent years, some conservative American groups have adopted the slogan “Make Orwell fiction again,” a line that suggests the dystopian depictions of totalitarianism, historical revisionism and misinformation found in George Orwell ’s 1984 are now reality. Liberal groups may agree with some of those concepts—but would likely apply them to different events.

Seventy-five years after its publication on June 8, 1949, Orwell’s novel has attained a level of prominence enjoyed by few other books across academic, political and popular culture. 1984 ’s meaning has been co-opted by groups across the political spectrum, and it consequently serves as a kind of political barometer. It has been smuggled behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War and used as counterpropaganda by the CIA; at moments of political crisis, it has skyrocketed to the top of best-seller lists.

The language and imagery in the novel—which Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange , once called “an apocalyptical codex of our worst fears”—have also been reinterpreted in music, television, advertisements and films, shaping how people view and discuss the terror of political oppression. The terms the book introduced into the English language, like “Big Brother” and “thought police,” are common parlance today. “ Big Brother ” is now a long-running reality TV show. 1984 -like surveillance is possible through a range of tracking technologies. And the contortion of truth is realizable via artificial intelligence deepfakes . In a world that is both similar to and distinct from Orwell’s imagined society, what does 1984 mean today?

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Jean Seaton , director of the Orwell Foundation and a historian at the University of Westminster in England, says that 1984 has become a way to “take the temperature” of global politics. “It goes up and down because people reinvent it [and] because people turn to it … to refresh [their] grasp on the present. It’s useful because you think, ‘How bad are we in comparison to this?’”

In 1984 , three totalitarian states rule the world in a détente achieved by constant war. The all-seeing Party dominates a grimly uniform society in the bloc called Oceania. As a low-level Party member, protagonist Winston Smith’s job is to rewrite historical records to match the ever-changing official version of events. As a Party slogan puts it , “Who controls the past controls the future: Who controls the present controls the past.”

Winston begins to document his contrarian thoughts and starts an illicit affair with a woman named Julia, but the two are soon caught and tortured into obedience by the regime. Ultimately, Smith’s individuality and attempt to rebel are brutally suppressed. While most contemporary societies are nothing like the book’s dystopia, in the context of today’s proliferating misinformation and disinformation , the Party’s primary propaganda slogans—“War is peace,” “Freedom is slavery” and “Ignorance is strength”—don’t seem all that far-fetched.

George Orwell, author of 1984 and Animal Farm​​​​​​​

According to Orwell’s son, Richard Blair , the writer thought his novel would “either be a best seller or the world [would] ignore it. He wasn’t quite sure which of the two it would be.” But soon after its publication, 1984 ’s best-seller status became clear. The book has since sold around 30 million copies. It most recently returned to the top of the American best-seller list in January 2017, after a Trump administration adviser coined the doublespeak term “alternative facts.”

“It’s a very relevant book … to the world of today,” Blair says. “The broad issue [is] the manipulation of truth, something that large organizations and governments are very good at.”

Many other dystopian novels carry similar warnings. So why does 1984 have such staying power? Orwell’s novels “all have exactly the same plot,” says the author’s biographer D.J. Taylor . “They are all about solitary, ground-down individuals trying to change the nature of their lives … and ultimately being ground down by repressive authority.”

1984 , Taylor adds, is the apotheosis of Orwell’s fears and hypotheses about surveillance and manipulation: “It takes all the essential elements of Orwell’s fiction and then winds them up another couple of notches to make something really startling.” Orwell’s precise, nightmarish vision contains enough familiar elements to map onto the known world, giving it a sense of alarming plausibility.

A row of Ministry of Information posters on a wall in the United Kingdom in 1942

The novel traces the dystopian future onto recognizable London landmarks. “The really scary thing for the original readers in 1949 was that although it was set in 1984, it’s there: It’s bomb-cratered, war-torn, postwar England,” says Taylor. The University of London’s Senate House inspired the novel’s “ Ministry of Truth ,” as it had housed the Ministry of Information during World War II’s propaganda push.

Born Eric Blair in 1903, Orwell had a short but prolific writing career, chronicling politics, poverty and social injustice before his early death from tuberculosis in January 1950, just seven months after 1984 ’s publication. Though an accomplished essayist, Orwell is best known for 1984 and Animal Farm , his 1945 satire of Stalinist Russia.

Born in Bengal when the region was under British colonial rule, Orwell studied at Eton College but left the school to follow his father into the civil service. He became disillusioned with the colonial British Raj while serving in the Indian Imperial Police in Burma, an experience that inspired his first novel, Burmese Days . In 1927, Orwell returned to England and Europe, where he immersed himself in working-class poverty to write Down and Out in Paris and London and The Road to Wigan Pier . He fought against fascism in the Spanish Civil War, almost dying from a throat wound. The conflict reinforced his socialist politics : “Everything he wrote after that was against totalitarianism [and] for democracy,” Blair says.

Photo of Orwell from his Metropolitan Police file

Orwell wrote 1984 while battling tuberculosis on the Isle of Jura in Scotland, aware that his condition was deteriorating as he wrote the novel, Taylor says. Upon finishing the manuscript, he went to a London hospital for treatment, where he married editorial assistant Sonia Brownell from his hospital bed. The writer died three months later at age 46. Blair, whom Orwell had adopted with his first wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy, shortly before her death in 1945, was 5 years old at the time.

Though Orwell described 1984 as a warning rather than a prophecy, scholars have demonstrated significant interest in mapping the author’s imaginings onto the modern world. “When I started writing, what I was involved in was something you could call ‘Orwell Studies.’ And now there's an Orwell industry,” says Taylor, who has published two biographies of the author. (His latest , released in 2023, was informed by new primary source material.)

Taylor attributes this popularity to Orwell’s “uncanny ability … to predict so many of the things that trouble us here in the 2020s.” He notes that in the United Kingdom, Orwell mainly draws political and literary audiences, while in the United States, scientific circles are increasingly curious about Orwell’s foreshadowing of modern technology and surveillance methods.

A poster from a 2013 protest against the National Security Agency invokes Orwell's image.

“There’s something about his work that keeps getting reinvented and reactivated” in relation to events that happened well after Orwell’s death, says Alex Woloch , a literary scholar at Stanford University. “I think of Orwell as a text that people can turn to in confronting many different kinds of political problems, and particularly propaganda, censorship and political duplicity.”

Orwell’s “main relevance in the U.S. was forged during the Cold War,” Woloch says. A democratic socialist and anti-Stalinist, Orwell was able to “represent the contradictions of the communist ideology, the gap between its self-image and its reality.” 1984 and Animal Farm “were understood as the exemplary anti-communist texts ,” embedded in U.S. curriculums and widely taught in the decades since.

“With the end of the Cold War,” Woloch adds, “Orwell’s writing could be claimed by many different people who were arguing against what they saw as various forms of political deceptiveness,” from the Marxist Black Panther Party to the ultraconservative John Birch Society .

“It’s very difficult to think of another writer who’s so much admired across all parts of the political spectrum,” Taylor says. “He’s almost unique in that way.”

Adapted to the needs of a broad range of readers, 1984 took on a life beyond its author and its pages. In her forthcoming book, George Orwell and Communist Poland: Émigré, Official and Clandestine Receptions , Krystyna Wieszczek , a research fellow at Columbia University, explores the use of 1984 as a tool of resistance. The novel “provided an easy-to-use vocabulary … that [readers] could use to name the phenomenon” of oppression, Wieszczek says. Copies were smuggled into Poland and other countries behind the Iron Curtain that divided Eastern Europe from Western Europe, some even in the diplomatic bag of a secretary to the French Embassy in Warsaw.

essay topics on 1984

In the 1950s, a CIA operation sent Animal Farm and other “printed matter from the West [into communist countries] in gas-filled balloons,” Wieszczek says. But many Poles objected to this tactic, fearing a reprise of the devastating and unsuccessful 1944 Warsaw Uprising . Through distribution points across Europe, the U.S. also sent millions of copies of anti-communist literature, including 1984 , to Poland. According to Wieszczek, surveys suggest that as much as 26 percent of Poland’s adult population—around seven million people—had some access to clandestine publications in the 1980s. Polish émigré imprint s like Kultura in Paris also ensured banned publications reached audiences in the Eastern bloc during the Cold War. Cheekily, one of Kultura’s editions of 1984 even used a “Soviet militant poster as a cover,” Wieszczek says.

“Many people read 1984 as a very negative, pessimistic book, but … it had a kind of liberating impact … for some readers,” she explains. They were reading a banned book about banned books that reflected, to an extent, their own circumstances.

“ 1984 is a horrible book,” Wieszczek adds. “You never forget—it stays with you, this big pressure on the chest and the stomach. But somehow, it brought hope. There was this man on other side of the Iron Curtain who understood us. … There is hope because people understand.”

A protean text for political, intellectual and underground movements, 1984 has also resonated in popular culture. Its myriad artistic interpretations are explored in Dorian Lynskey’s The Ministry of Truth: The Biography of George Orwell’s 1984 . The novel inspired television shows, films , plays, a David Bowie album (though Orwell’s widow, Sonia, turned down the artist’s offer to create a 1984 musical) and even a “ Victory gin ” based on the grim spirits described in the novel. It was cited in songs by John Lennon and Stevie Wonder and named by assassin Lee Harvey Oswald as one of his favorite books. And its imagery continues to inform the public’s perception of what might happen if 1984 weren’t fiction after all.

essay topics on 1984

In January 1984, an Apple Macintosh ad directed by Ridley Scott aired during the Super Bowl. It depicted a maverick woman smashing a Big Brother-esque screen that was broadcasting to the subordinate masses, and it ended with the tagline , “You’ll see why 1984 won’t be like ‘1984.’” The implication was that buying Apple products would set people apart from the crowd. In an Orwellian twist, although the ad positioned Apple as the underdog against the dominant IBM, the company actually had a competitive market share, claiming 25 percent to IBM’s 24 percent at the end of 1983.

While the term “Orwellian” can be used to describe Orwell’s style, “the classic use … is for politicians [who] grotesquely misuse language for ideological purposes and use language to disguise or pervert reality rather than to expose it,” Woloch says. Today, the phrase has become a “floating signifier,” Taylor says. “It’s so regularly used it doesn’t actually mean anything.” He cites a politician misusing “Orwellian” to complain about a perceived personal injustice (a canceled book contract).

“[Orwell’s] books have such widespread currency that you can use him to describe anything, really,” Taylor adds. “The word can mean anything and nothing at the same time.”

essay topics on 1984

This is ironic, given how precise Orwell was about language. The reduction of language and creative thought to “ Newspeak ” in the novel figures largely in the population’s oppression. Orwell “was passionately committed to language as a contract crucial to all our other contracts,” writes Rebecca Solnit in Orwell’s Roses . He is “an exemplar of writing as the capacity to communicate other people’s experience,” Seaton says, “… so to read Orwell is, in a sense, to defend language and writing.”

Orwell’s main question, according to Woloch, “is how, as a thinking person and a fair-minded person, … do you confront the genuine pervasiveness of political problems that make up the world that we’re in?” The scholar quotes Orwell’s famous line from a 1938 New Leader essay : “It is not possible for any thinking person to live in such a society as our own without wanting to change it.”

“The big three themes [of 1984 ] that people ought to bear in mind,” Taylor suggests, “are the denial of objective truth, which we see everywhere about us, every war that’s currently taking place anywhere in the world and in quite a lot of domestic political situations, too; the manipulation of language … and the use of words to bamboozle people; and the rise of the surveillance society. … That to me, is the definition of the adjective ‘Orwellian’ in the 21st century.”

essay topics on 1984

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Anne Wallentine

Anne Wallentine | | READ MORE

Anne Wallentine is a writer and art historian with a focus on the intersections of art, culture and health. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and the Courtauld Institute of Art, she writes for outlets that include the Financial Times , the Economist , the Art Newspaper  and Hyperallergic .

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Top 100 1984 Essay Topics for Students

Aug 30, 2021 | 0 comments

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Aug 30, 2021 | Topics | 0 comments

1984 is a novel by the famous George Orwell. The book captures the occurrences of a dystopian society that an all-powerful party ruled. However, this power-hungry government doesn’t seek to serve its people; instead, it seeks only to increase their control over them while forced to live in poverty with scarce resources for survival. 1984 has many themes and ideas, which would be perfect literature essay topics if you’re interested in writing papers about reading or analyzing novels – especially those involving dystopias! Choosing the right topic for an essay can be challenging. This article will provide you with topics to choose from, based on George Orwell’s 1984 novel. These are all free and available for use! Your essay topics need to be more than just ideas. They also have to be interesting and creative for them to stand out from the pack of other, less original proposals that are likely competing with yours.

  • Oceania had a societal hierarchy similar to what is present in our society today. Discuss with references from the book 1984.
  • Poverty and segregation: Analyze the role of poverty in uniting (or dividing) the people in achieving a common goal
  • The relationship between George Orwell’s 1984 and Karl Marx’s socialism theories
  • Society cannot survive under the rules in the book 1984. Discuss
  • Does age have a role in intimacy and sex? Support your answers with references from 1984 as depicted by George Orwell.
  • Intimacy and morality: Explain these themes as portrayed by the author in the novel 1984
  • The Impact of technology in the development of society; Support your answers with references and findings from George Orwell ’s book 1984
  • Oppression and fear are tools used by power-hungry politicians to oppress the public. Discuss this theme, as illustrated in the book 1984.
  • The role technology played in the portrayal of the characters in 1984
  • Examine the relationship between power and politics as depicted in the book 1984
  • Men and women in society: A review of the roles of both genders in the novel 1984
  • Communism vs. capitalism; discuss a case for or against these ideologies basing your answers from the novel 1984.
  • An in-depth analysis of technology as a medium of political influence in George Orwell’s book 1984.
  • What is big brother? What role does it/he play in surveillance, technology, and privacy in today’s society? (Draw references to 1984)
  • Draw comparisons and differences between George Orwell’s 1984 society and society today.
  • What is propaganda? Discuss instances of propaganda as depicted in the book 1984
  • How different are the themes in 1984 compare to Kite Runner?
  • In many ways, the book 1984 shows the leaders of today, such as Donald Trump.
  • Discuss the relevance of characters in the book 1984 in today’s society
  • Political loyalty to those in power; A case study of George Orwell’s book 1984.
  • Does the society of 1984 paint a clear picture of modern-day society?
  • Totalitarian leadership; Discuss various leadership styles brought out in 1984
  • An in-depth analysis of the novel 1984 by George Orwell
  • A literature review on the main themes as demonstrated by George Orwell in the book 1984.
  • Technology and its influence in politics; Study of George Orwell’s book 1984.
  • The book 1984 shows, in many ways, the leadership situation in third world countries. Discuss
  • Do politicians use their influence and power to control the media; A case study of George Orwell’s book 1984.
  • Discuss the theme of language and antics used by those in power to divide and conquer the people.
  • An in-depth analysis of the dystopian society as depicted in the book 1984
  • Today’s leaders are fueled by power and not service to the people. Explain the relevance of this book to the novel 1984

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LeBron James: a Trailblazer’s

This essay about LeBron James explores the extraordinary journey of the basketball icon from his humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, to his status as a global phenomenon. It delves into LeBron’s unparalleled impact on and off the court, highlighting his advocacy for social justice, educational initiatives, and philanthropic endeavors. Through his entrepreneurial ventures and unwavering commitment to his community, LeBron transcends the realm of sports, emerging as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of perseverance.

How it works

In the pantheon of sporting legends, few names elicit the same fervent admiration and fascination as LeBron James. Born LeBron Raymone James on a chilly December day in 1984, amidst the gritty urban landscape of Akron, Ohio, his journey from humble beginnings to global iconhood is a narrative steeped in grit, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. However, to unravel the enigma behind the name, one must delve deeper into the intricacies of LeBron’s transcendent impact on both the hardwood and beyond.

The genesis of LeBron’s saga can be traced back to the bustling streets of Akron, where he first honed his craft on the asphalt courts that dotted the cityscape. Raised by his mother, Gloria James, in circumstances that often bordered on adversity, LeBron found solace and purpose in the game of basketball. With a ball in hand and a dream in his heart, he embarked on a quest to defy the odds and carve out a legacy that would echo through the annals of sporting history.

What sets LeBron apart from his contemporaries is not merely his unparalleled athleticism or his uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game, but rather his indomitable will to effect change both on and off the court. Beyond the confines of basketball arenas, LeBron’s impact reverberates across communities and continents, as he utilizes his platform to champion causes close to his heart. Whether it’s advocating for social justice, promoting educational initiatives, or spearheading philanthropic endeavors through his eponymous foundation, LeBron’s influence transcends the realm of sports, embodying the spirit of a modern-day Renaissance man.

Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of stardom, LeBron remains tethered to his roots, never forgetting the struggles that shaped his formative years. It is this intrinsic connection to his origins that imbues his journey with a sense of authenticity and relatability, endearing him to fans from all walks of life. From the hardscrabble streets of Akron to the hallowed halls of NBA arenas, LeBron’s ascent serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and self-belief.

In addition to his on-court exploits, LeBron’s foray into the realm of media and business further solidifies his status as a cultural icon and visionary entrepreneur. Through ventures such as SpringHill Entertainment and Uninterrupted, he seeks to amplify marginalized voices and challenge conventional narratives, paving the way for a new generation of storytellers and creatives. Moreover, his strategic investments and business acumen underscore his commitment to building a lasting legacy that extends far beyond his playing days.

As LeBron continues to etch his name into the annals of sporting immortality, one cannot help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of his impact on popular culture and society at large. Whether it’s his awe-inspiring performances on the court, his trailblazing endeavors in the realms of media and business, or his unwavering dedication to uplifting underserved communities, LeBron’s legacy is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

In conclusion, LeBron James represents the epitome of excellence, both as an athlete and as a beacon of hope for millions around the globe. His name transcends mere mortals, embodying the collective aspirations and dreams of an entire generation. As we bear witness to his continued evolution and contributions to the world, one thing remains abundantly clear: the legend of LeBron James is an ever-unfolding saga, brimming with untold possibilities and infinite promise.

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Between 2000 and 2008, access to high-speed, broadband internet grew significantly in the United States, but there is debate on whether access to high-speed internet improves or harms wellbeing. We find that a ten percent increase in the proportion of county residents with access to broadband internet leads to a 1.01 percent reduction in the number of suicides in a county, as well as improvements in self-reported mental and physical health. We further find that this reduction in suicide deaths is likely due to economic improvements in counties that have access to broadband internet. Counties with increased access to broadband internet see reductions in poverty rate and unemployment rate. In addition, zip codes that gain access to broadband internet see increases in the numbers of employees and establishments. In addition, heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive effects are concentrated in the working age population, those between 25 and 64 years old. This pattern is precisely what is predicted by the literature linking economic conditions to suicide risk.

We are grateful to participants at the Association of Public Policy and Management and the Washington Area Labor Symposium conferences for their helpful comments. Any errors or conclusions are our own. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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